Türkiye launches nationwide deposit return system for beverage packaging

Türkiye is introducing a nationwide deposit return system for beverage containers as part of its efforts to increase recycling rates, reduce waste and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. The Deposit Return System for Beverage Packaging, known as DOA, is designed to improve the collection of plastic, glass and aluminium beverage containers by encouraging consumers to return used packaging through dedicated collection points and reverse vending machines.

The initiative represents a major shift in Türkiye’s packaging waste management strategy, moving from traditional collection models towards a digitally tracked circular system that connects consumers, producers, collection operators and recycling facilities.

A digitally connected recycling model

Under the DOA system, consumers returning eligible beverage containers receive a refund through a mobile application. The system applies to beverage packaging carrying the official DOA logo, covering materials including PET bottles, glass containers and aluminium cans.

The Turkish Environment Agency describes the programme as more than a recycling initiative, highlighting its technological and economic dimensions. Digital tracking throughout the collection and recycling process is intended to improve transparency, ensure material traceability and create a more efficient packaging recovery network.

Before the nationwide implementation, pilot activities expanded across multiple regions, recovering millions of beverage containers and testing the infrastructure required for a large-scale national system.

Economic and environmental benefits

Türkiye expects the deposit return system to generate significant economic benefits while improving packaging recycling performance. Authorities estimate that the programme could contribute around 30 billion Turkish liras annually to the economy through increased material recovery and recycling activity.

The system is also expected to deliver environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy consumption and decreasing dependence on virgin raw materials used in beverage packaging production.

With billions of single-use beverage containers consumed annually in Türkiye, improving collection efficiency could provide a substantial increase in the availability of high-quality recycled materials for packaging applications.

Supporting circular packaging supply chains

Deposit return systems are increasingly recognised as an effective tool for improving packaging circularity because they help create cleaner and more consistent recycling streams. By separating beverage containers at the point of return, these systems can increase the quality of recovered materials and support closed-loop recycling.

For packaging producers, improved access to recycled PET, glass and aluminium can help support future sustainability targets while reducing reliance on virgin resources. The development of stronger recycling infrastructure is also expected to benefit manufacturers seeking more stable supplies of secondary raw materials.

Industry participation expands collection capacity

The success of the DOA system depends on cooperation across the packaging value chain, including beverage producers, retailers, hospitality businesses and recycling operators. Hotels, restaurants and cafés are included in the collection network, while authorised operators manage collection, transport and verification activities.

The expansion of reverse vending machines and manual collection points is expected to make returning packaging more accessible for consumers while increasing participation rates across the country.

A new step towards packaging circularity

Türkiye’s deposit return system reflects a broader global trend towards more structured approaches to packaging recovery. As governments introduce stricter recycling requirements and companies face growing sustainability expectations, efficient collection systems are becoming increasingly important for achieving circular economy goals.

By combining financial incentives, digital traceability and expanded recycling infrastructure, the DOA programme aims to transform beverage packaging from a disposable waste stream into a valuable resource. The initiative places Türkiye among the growing number of countries using deposit systems to improve packaging recovery and support more sustainable material cycles.